ROVINJ, July 1 (Hina) - Sveta Katarina, a northern Adriatic island off the western Istrian coast, has become an attractive four-star tourist destination after its renovated tourist facilities were presented this week. The island's
facilities were subjected to an accelerated renovation by their majority owner Wifried Holleis, after the Jadranturist company from the nearby seaside resort of Rovinj and Austrian company Alpina Mare last October signed a contract on joint investing in the facilities. In seven months, four hotels with 60 two-bedded rooms and 60 suites were completely renovated, as were two large suites and a castle, Holleis told a press conference. He added the island now has a new kitchen and a restaurant with a movable roof, a heated-water pool, while the green areas have been turned into a botanical garden with local plants. The works cost DM3.5 million, said Holleis, addin
ROVINJ, July 1 (Hina) - Sveta Katarina, a northern Adriatic island
off the western Istrian coast, has become an attractive four-star
tourist destination after its renovated tourist facilities were
presented this week.
The island's facilities were subjected to an accelerated
renovation by their majority owner Wifried Holleis, after the
Jadranturist company from the nearby seaside resort of Rovinj and
Austrian company Alpina Mare last October signed a contract on
joint investing in the facilities.
In seven months, four hotels with 60 two-bedded rooms and 60 suites
were completely renovated, as were two large suites and a castle,
Holleis told a press conference.
He added the island now has a new kitchen and a restaurant with a
movable roof, a heated-water pool, while the green areas have been
turned into a botanical garden with local plants.
The works cost DM3.5 million, said Holleis, adding he intended to
invest the same amount over the next four years.
By assuming 50.1 percent of ownership in Sveta Katarina's hotels
and signing a contract with Rovinj's Jadranturist, Holleis has
become the first international majority owner of a Croatian tourist
company.
Holleis said the island's accommodation facilities were booked
from July 1 through mid-September, with Austrians, Germans, and
Italians as the most numerous guests.
Sveta Katarina's hotels will be open over eight months each year.
During the peak tourist season, the island will also offer sports
attractions, as well as culture and entertainment programmes.
The presentation of the renovated facilities was attended, among
others, by Croatia's European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic,
Deputy Tourism Minister Veljko Ostojic, and the chairman of the
Istra County Board of Tourism, Branko Curic.
(hina) ha